The first ever UN General Assembly High Level Event has taken place to mark twenty years since the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. States and UN officials made significant statements about the importance of the work of human rights defenders, but all at a time of multiplying threats and attacks against defenders globally.

In a major new report on the situation for human rights defenders globally and at country level in over a decade, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders suggests that restrictions placed on those defending rights and attacks against them amounts to a war being waged against human rights defenders.

In a victory for human rights defenders, the Inter-American Court on Human Rights approved a settlement between the Honduran government and the family of the killed environmental rights defender Carlos Escaleras. The settlement includes progressive measures not only to bring justice to the Escaleras family, but also to challenge the stigmatisation of human rights defenders.

The General Assembly today voted on key resolutions, such as the freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Generally, these resolutions received even greater support than before, which is positive news for human rights defenders and their work.

On 2 December 2011, the Human Rights Council (the Council) will hold its 18th special session on ‘The situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic in the light of the report of the Commission of Inquiry’. Despite two previous special sessions on the situation in Syria the violence has continued. , The request for the special session, submitted by the European Union (the EU), was signed by 28 member States of the Council, including fellow Arab States Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and 40 observer States.

The call for this special session follows the release, on 28 November, of the report of the Commission of Inquiry (the Commission), which found that members of the Syrian military and security forces have committed ‘crimes against humanity’ in 2011. The Commission of Inquiry was set up through a resolution adopted by the Council at its 17th special session in August, to investigate all allegations of human rights violations committed by Syrian authorities. The Commission was to be dispatched to Syria but was refused permission to enter the country by the Syrian authorities. As a result, the Commission was not able to base its report on direct observation. However, it concluded that gross human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity had indeed been committed by the Syrian military and police and called upon the Syrian Government to immediately stop the violence against protesters and to allow independent investigation into all allegations. In addition, it regretted that the Government had repeatedly refused to cooperate with the Commission.

At the time of submission of the request for the special session, the EU also submitted a draft resolution. Informal negotiations were held on 30 November to discuss the draft, and are continuing at present. As expected, there was strong opposition both to the calling of the special session and to the draft resolution, not only from Syria, but also from China, Cuba, and the Russian Federation. Opposition centred around the timing of the special session, which these States considered is premature, arguing that there has not yet been time to study the Commission’s report; and around the draft resolution, which was described as ‘biased’ and ‘aggressive’. Particular criticism was directed towards the resolution’s lack of condemnation of attacks by opposition groups, the perceived failure to balance the call to the Government to end the violence with a call to the opposition groups to do likewise, and the omission of reference to the positive steps that Syria had been. The Russian Federation added that the draft should explicitly rule out military intervention and include reference to principles of State sovereignty and integrity.

The special session will be held on 2 December from 10am in room XX of the Palais des Nations. ISHR will provide a report on its website. You can also follow the special session on Twitter.

The Working Group on the UPR met on 12 October 2011 to review the human rights situation in Moldova. The Moldovan delegation, comprising 7 members, was headed by Mr Vladimir Grosu, Deputy Minister for Justice. In its opening statement, Moldova described itself as a country in transition, with an ambitious reform program underway, motivated by the prospect of EU integration. It stated its commitment to the UPR process, as a tool for creating a real link between the country’s human rights obligations and the benefits felt in the daily lives of its people.

Some changes since the submission of Moldova’s report were highlighted, including the legal recognition last month of the Islamic League, a key step towards protecting freedom of religion for the country’s Muslim minority, and progress on a draft anti-discrimination law, which was put before parliament but subsequently withdrawn for further consideration due to ‘sensitivities’ in society regarding the particular issue of homosexuality. The draft law was said to have been submitted to civil society groups in recent days for consultation, as part of the process towards the enactment of legislation.

All 37 of the (mostly European) states scheduled to speak were able to do so, and the following recommendations, comments and questions were made by states:

Recommendations to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers, the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons, and the Convention on Enforced Disappearances; and to make a declaration recognising the competence of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to receive individual communications under Article 14 of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination.

Welcoming of the decision to extend a standing invitation to all UN Special Procedures.

Recommendations to reform the judicial system, to improve access to courts and combat corruption; and to improve prison conditions.

Concern over allegations of torture by security forces and ill treatment of detainees (as reported by Amnesty International), particularly in the aftermath of the electoral unrest in April 2009; concern over the failure to investigate, prosecute and punish the officers responsible; recommendations to end the ‘climate of impunity’ on this issue, implement the formal prohibition on torture, make evidence obtained through torture inadmissible in courts and punish all those responsible.

Concern about the restriction of the rights of LGBT[1] groups to freedom of assembly and expression, and their subjection to threats and abuse; ‘disappointment’ that the Moldovan government ‘appears to have reversed its stance’ on this issue; recommendations to ensure the protection of LGBT rights and the prosecution of crimes against members of these groups.

Welcoming the registration of the Islamic League in March 2011.

Recommendations to take steps to improve inter-ethnic and religious relations, and particularly improve the social and economic problems facing the Roma.

Concern about the delays in passing the extremely important anti-discrimination law; recommendations to ensure its adoption as soon as possible.

Concern about the suppression of ethnic languages, particularly Russian; recommendations to ensure the provision of education in ethnic minority languages is maintained, and to improve efforts to protect the languages and cultural heritage of minorities.

Noting of efforts to combat human trafficking; concern at the alleged use of bribery by perpetrators to escape tough sentences; recommendations to strengthen efforts in this area, in particular through prosecution of traffickers and education of vulnerable persons.

Recommendations for further measures towards gender equality, including combatting domestic violence, reducing the wage gap and creating quotas for women’s representation in public authorities.

Welcoming the creation of an ombudsman for children’s rights; recommendations of further measures to protect children’s rights, especially those of disabled and street children.

Concern over the human rights situation in Transnistria and the regional authority’s excessive control over the media and civil society; recommendations to seek a peaceful resolution to the problems.

The Moldovan delegation responded only once, before its closing comments, however the response was extensive and addressed most of the issues raised. Regarding torture and ill-treatment following 2009 electoral unrest, the delegation stated that in fact investigations had taken place and 27 cases had been brought to justice, and that of the three deaths in custody at the time, only one was directly related to the events. It also stated that a strategy for judicial reform had been adopted in the past few weeks to combat judicial corruption. On the issue of human trafficking, it stated that Moldova is no longer a major source of human trafficking, and efforts to combat the problem have been made through education and training of vulnerable persons and personnel, and increased monitoring of particularly vulnerable children in Government institutions. There was some clear tension in the delegation’s response to Russia’s allegations of suppression of the Russian language and the problems in Transnistria, with a rejection of claims regarding Russian language school closures; and a statement that they would continue to raise the human rights issue in the region with Russia and seek a peaceful settlement.

At the adoption of the review, Moldova accepted 107 of 122 recommendations, stating that the remaining 15 would be considered with the input of other stakeholders. The delegation described the review as an important milestone in the reform of the human rights system in Moldova, and pledged to submit a mid-term progress report to the Human Rights Committee.

[1] Most delegations raising this issue used the term ‘LGBT’ as opposed to ‘LGBTI’.

On 10 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR examined the human rights situation in Iceland. The delegation, numbering six, was led by Ogmundur Jonasson, Minister of the Interior. In his introductory statement the Minister highlighted several key concerns, including significant overcrowding in Icelandic prisons and the necessity of overhauling the detention system, the need to combat domestic violence via judicial reform, and working to close the gender-payment gap in the labour force. Regarding prisons, the Minister touted Iceland's recent proposal to develop new, ‘state-of-the-art’ detention complex to house male, female, and juvenile inmates. The minster explained that although each group will be entirely separated from one another - in line with international standards - keeping them together will maximise both efficiency and safety for the public.

Specific recommendations, questions, and comments focused on the following issues:

The need to sign and ratify three international treaties: the International Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED).

Urging Iceland to establish a credible National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) with a broad mandate in accordance with the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles).

Reiterating Iceland's concern for safety in their prison system, along with suggesting a shift in focus to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Request for greater protection and assistance for migrant workers, as well as developing more comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

The delegation of Iceland responded to several of the States' comments. Mr Jonasson acknowledged the high number of recommendations on establishing an NHRI and explicitly told States that he will press his government to begin taking steps towards creating such an institution. On the topic of religion, the delegation adamantly rejected any direct connection between church and state. Religious freedom, the Minister declared, is central to Iceland's human rights agenda. Moreover, the delegation highlighted a survey citing that while over 50% of Icelandic’s believe there is discrimination based on race of immigration status, only 26% of those polled had personally witnessed such an occurrence. This suggests that any significant problems with discrimination might be more the result of perception than actual fact.

Nevertheless, the delegation conceded that there were a number of important steps for Iceland to take to improve its human rights situation. Of the 84 recommendations made, 52 were immediately accepted and 32 will be examined with final responses to be given prior to the 19th Human Rights Council in March 2012. No recommendations were rejected.

On 10 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR reviewed the human rights record of Uganda, and criticised the Government for the criminalisation of the LGBTI community, the use of the death penalty, and the alleged use of torture by the police. The Ugandan head of delegation Mr Henry Okello-Oryem, Minister of State for International Affairs, stated that the culture and traditions of the country legitimise the existence of provisions criminalising same-sex relations and allowing capital punishment.

Mr Okello-Oryem opened the session with a review of the national report. He outlined the rights guaranteed to all of the minorities protected by the Constitution: women, children, and the elderly, all viewed as a priority by the Government. Uganda currently has 112 female members of Parliament, 6063 registered civil society organisations, and has had free and regular multiparty elections every five years since 1996. The Minister also addressed the controversies surrounding the death penalty and sexual orientation in Uganda. On the matter of sexual orientation, Mr Okello-Oryem stated that same-sex couples are criminalised to protect and respect the social and cultural context of the country. Same-sex relations are considered to be damaging national culture and obstructing the correct education of children. The death penalty, on the other hand, is recommended as punishment only for the most serious offences, but has not been implemented since 1999. Yet, it is used only at the discretion of judge. According to the Minister, a popular referendum supported the existence of the death penalty in the Constitution.

African states present commended Uganda for the improvements in maternal health, the support provided to HIV/AIDS patients, the outlining of free and basic compulsory education as a developmental priority, and the general efforts made in promoting and protecting human rights. China and other developing nations invited the international community to continue supporting these efforts. Zimbabwe and Bangladesh recommended to protect children and youth from ‘anti-cultural practices’, referring to same-sex relations. Specific recommendations, made mostly by European states, the Russian Federation, Canada, and the USA, included:

Calls to sign and ratify the Convention Against Torture, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.

Calls to establish an independent central mechanism to review and implement human rights recommendations coming from international bodies.

Recommendation to work towards a moratorium as a step towards the ultimate abolition of the death penalty.

Calls to criminalise the use of torture by security forces, and begin judicial investigations on the abuse of force and arbitrary arrest by the police.

Calls to repeal legislation criminalising same-sex relations.

Requests that the State begin an educational campaign against female genital mutilations and ritual killings of children.

In his response to the delegates, Mr Okello-Oryem addressed the US directly on the alleged use of ‘safe houses’ to torture prisoners and on the registration of NGOs. In relation to the first point, he stated that there is no such thing as ‘safe houses’, but that on the other hand Guantanamo Bay exists. As far as NGO registration is concerned, he responded that this is a matter of procedure, not a means to control NGO activity.

Of the 171 recommendations made, Uganda accepted 110, rejected 19, and left 42 pending for review by the 19th session of the Human Rights Council. The delegation stated that those recommendations it was not immediately able to accept, or that it has rejected, have economic implications or conflict with the national policy. Furthermore, Uganda made the following voluntary pledges:

Develop a national action plan on human rights.

Carry out an annual review of its human rights situation and report to the Parliament as appropriate.

Mainstream human rights issues and all aspects of good governance.

Establish a human rights desk under the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to coordinate human rights issues at a national level.

On 12 October 2011, Timor Leste presented its first national report to the UPR working group. The small delegation was headed by Ms Lucia Maria Brandao F Lobato, the Timor Leste Minister of Justice, who addressed all the comments and questions raised during the review.

Ms Lobato expressed her appreciation to be appearing in the Human Rights Council to submit Timor Leste’s first report. Ms Lobato gave an overview of Timor Leste’s historical circumstances, noting that in 2012 it was celebrating 10 years of independence after more than 400 years of Portuguese rule and Indonesian occupation. Timor Leste recognises that it faces a number of problems, including in the areas of education and health, however it noted that all challenges will take some time to address due to financial constraints. Further, it is important for infrastructure to be further developed to allow for progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Ms Lobato noted a number of areas which Timor Leste recognised as challenges, many of which were also commented on by several States during the interactive dialogue:

Judicial system – inexperience of some judicial actors, including public prosecutors, and delays in courts;

Education – insufficient numbers of teachers, insufficient infrastructure including school buildings, low levels of student enrollments and high levels of drop outs, particularly among girls;

Health – insufficient numbers of doctors, high rates of malaria; and

Domestic violence.

Efforts were being made to address human rights problems in Timor Leste and several achievements and initiatives have been implemented. The Government has established a legal framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the creation of a national human rights institution, the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice, which is afforded an “A” level status under the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles). The Law on the Use of Force was also created to provide guidelines to security forces on the use of force and preventing excessive use of force.

Education initiatives have included the establishment of Inclusive Education Units, which provide support to schools, and the launching of campaigns to promote the importance of education. School meal programmes to encourage enrollment, and provision of scholarships for higher education have also been established.

Efforts have also been made to reduce the rates of domestic violence against women. Training materials are provided to the public and incarcerated individuals, and more specialised materials are disseminated to legal professionals. Shelters and self-help groups for victims of domestic violence have also been established.

States made the following comments and recommendations:

Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the first Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Extend a standing invitation to UN special procedure mandate holders.

Consider drawing up a national human rights plan of action.

Increase human and financial resources for the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice.

Seek technical assistance from international donor agencies to increase training for public officials.

Intensify efforts to improve the legislature.

Repeal provisions in legislation which are discriminatory against women, particularly regarding inheritance, land ownership rights, and legal capacity.

Provide law enforcement officials with training on sexual violence.

Strengthen response to incidences of violence against minority religious groups.

Continue to implement socioeconomic plans to ensure the Millennium Development Goals are met by 2015.

Continue to implement national health policies with the support of the international community.

Improve the system of birth registrations.

Adopt a minimum age requirement for labour.

Improve employment opportunities in rural areas.

Numerous states, including Japan, the Philippines, and Australia expressed their commitment to providing technical and other assistance to Timor Leste.

During the adoption of the report, the delegation accepted 46 recommendations from a total of 125 recommendations. A further 42 recommendations were considered to have already been implemented or in the process of being implemented. Only two recommendations were rejected and the remaining 35 recommendations will be considered and responded to by the 19th session of the Human Rights Council.

On 11th October 2011, Lithuania presented its report on its human rights situation to the UPR Working Group. The delegation of nine was headed by the Minister of Justice of Lithuania, Mr Remigius Simasius who provided most of the comments, with input also from Vice-Minister of Culture, Mr Stanislav Vidtmann.

In his opening statement, Mr Simasius noted a range of stakeholders including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education and Science, and human rights NGOs contributed to the preparation of the Lithuania report. He particularly highlighted Lithuania’s achievements in human rights, placing them within the context of Lithuania gaining independence in 1990 and its challenges in modernising the legal system and establishing a number of institutions to counter the legacy of the Soviet regime in denying basic rights and freedoms. Mr Simasius drew particular attention to the establishment of three independent ombudsmen to protect human rights, including an Ombudsman for Children’s Rights and an Ombudsman for Equal Opportunities, and the progress made in ensuring gender equality. In 2008 Provisions on non-discrimination based on gender were added into the Law on Equal Opportunities and according to Mr Simasius women now hold two of the top three administration posts (President, and Seimas [parliament] Spokesperson), and account for 40% of all managerial staff. Mr Simasius also acknowledged the need for improvements in prison conditions, especially modernising prisons and reducing overcrowding.

States made the following comments and recommendations:

Calls to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and of their Families, the Convention Against Torture, and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearance.

Recommendations to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Principles Relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles).

Calls to intensify efforts to reduce human trafficking by renewing the invitation to the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking of Persons to visit Lithuania.

Recommendations to renew its invitation to the Human Rights Council special procedures to visit Lithuania.

Acknowledgement of Lithuanian efforts in the areas of gender equality, human trafficking, violence against women, and support for human rights defenders and activists who take refuge in Lithuania.

Recommendations to ease the naturalisation procedure by reducing the language requirement.

Calls to intensify the fight against social stereotyping that cultivate prejudices against national minorities.

Requests to support and develop education programs and institutions for national minorities.

Requests to continue to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Calls to increase enforcement measures of child protection.

Calls to cooperate closer with civil society on human rights issues.

Requests to expand competences and role of human rights offices.

Calls to take action to avoid discrimination based on sexual preference and gender identity.

Calls to improve prison conditions.

Mr Simasius regretted that he was not able to answer all questions posed by States. Responding to numerous concerns, Mr Simasius observed that Article 4(1)(14) of the Law on the Protection of Minors Against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information, which prohibits the dissemination of information promoting homosexual, bisexual, or polygamous relations on the grounds of having a ‘detrimental effect on the development of minors’, had been removed in the recently revised version of the law. In response to concerns about discrimination of Roma in Lithuania, Mr Vidtmann (Vice Minister of Culture) noted the complexities of integrating the 2,500 Roma in Lithuania and drew attention to the draft Inter-institutional Action Plan for Roma Integration into the Lithuanian Society currently awaiting approval. Mr Simasius further denied the Russian Federation’s allegation that Lithuania was falsifying history and rejected its recommendation to Lithuania to stop attempts to revise interpretations of the outcomes of the Second World War and its persecutions of anti-fascist veterans.

During the adoption of the report, 43 recommendations out of a total of 120 were accepted by Lithuania, with a further 53 recommendations already considered as being implemented or in the process of being implemented. Only one recommendation was rejected and the remaining 23 recommendations were pending further consideration and would be decided upon prior to the 19th session of the Human Rights Council. Mr Tomas Vaitkevicius, Lithuania’s Vice Minister of Justice, provided the concluding remarks and stipulated that the UPR can only be a meaningful process if it is conducted in a transparent, non-confrontational, and non-politicised manner.

On 13 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR examined the human rights situation in Haiti. Haiti’s review was originally scheduled for May 2010, but had been postponed on request of the delegation following the devastating earthquake of January 2010. The State was represented only by Mr Jean-Claude Pierre, Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the United Nations at Geneva, who stated that it had been planned to send a larger delegation for the original review, but that half of the members had been killed by the natural catastrophe and it was not possible to spare the others from the country’s rebuilding efforts. Mr Pierre also stated that original report had been lost in the earthquake. In his introductory statement Mr Pierre stated that Haiti is still suffering from the earthquake’s repercussion and thus lacked the infrastructure and resources to develop and protect human rights. The country was asked to immediately improve the situation of children sold into domestic servitude and tackle violence against women. In addition, the dialogue covered issues such as human trafficking, the situation in prisons, and the lack of international commitment to promises made to help Haiti after the earthquake.

Specific recommendations, questions, and comments focused on the following issues:

Calls to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees , the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Recommendations to work with ‘available UN systems’ to improve the situation in the country.

Asked to conduct investigations in all cases of alleged police violence.

Recommendations to reduce poverty, although no specific suggestions were made.

Asked to implement free education.

Recommendations to put more effort into eradication of violence against women and enable victims to more easily access the legal system.

Address situation of street children and end the practice of putting them into domestic servitude.

Calls to review conditions in prisons.

Recommendations to improve the health care, social security, and educational systems, in particular to provide easier access for vulnerable groups.

Mr Pierre responded to some of the recommendations during the session. He acknowledged the criticism made in regards of the health care and educational system. He referred to measures being taken to combat violence against women and ensure their participation in public life. However, these measures have not been very successful due to the lack of necessary funds. Furthermore, the Government is looking into measures to combat human trafficking and the lack of general child protection. He also referred to the serious issue of malnutrition and called upon the international community to step up to their promises and help Haiti. Finally, Mr Pierre stated that the country was unable to protect human rights because of the underdevelopment prior to the earthquake and the worsened situation caused by it.

Haiti has yet to respond to any of the recommendations made and is planning to do so at the 19th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2012. The delegation expressed their enthusiasm at being able to participate in the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.

On 10 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR examined the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. The delegation was led by Mr Patrick A. Chinamasa, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs. In his introductory statement Mr Chinamasa stated that Zimbabwe’s lack of development was caused by the sanctions implemented on the country by the European Union (EU), the United States (US) and the Commonwealth. This view was shared by eight other countries (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Namibia, Venezuela, Cuba, China, Chad, and Malaysia). States suggested that Zimbabwe should implement its reformed educational and health care policies. Additionally, the country was asked to review the Public Order and Security Act due to the restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly caused by this law. The dialogue also covered issues such as the alleged forced evictions of land-owners, the lack of investigations undertaken into police violence, and the situation of workers in the diamond fields of the Marange region.

Specific recommendations, questions, and comments focused on the following issues:

Calls to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the RomeStatute of the International Criminal Court, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Recommendations to review the Public Order and Security Act and its consequences for freedom of expression and assembly.

Calls to persevere with and improve the plan for national appeasement and reconciliation.

Requests to conduct investigations into all cases of alleged police violence.

Requests to respect standing invitations issued to all UN special rapporteurs (especially the UN Rapporteur on Torture) and make them operational.

Recommendations to put more effort into achieving the goals of the Global Political Agreement (Zimbabwean reform agreement to prevent a recurrence of the violence that broke out during the last elections).

Calls to abolish the death penalty.

Calls to review conditions in prisons.

Recommendations to address domestic violence.

Calls to provide the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission with adequate funds and authority to work properly and bring it in line with the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles).

Recommendations to review the role of the military in the diamond fields.

Recommendations to increase the living standards of workers in the diamond fields.

Requests to seek more international assistance to combat HIV/AIDS.

Recommendations to improve the health care, social security, and education systems, in particular to provide easier access for vulnerable groups.

Requests to ensure that human rights defenders are able to carry out their legitimate work in safety, without repercussions for themselves or their families.

The delegation from Zimbabwe responded to some of the recommendations during the session. Concerning the problems with the Public Order and Security Act, the delegation stated that the Act was needed to adequately respond to protests incited by NGOs and protesters paid for by ‘Western countries’. The delegation also said that human rights defenders were allowed to conduct their work as long as they did not breach the law. The restrictions that many States assumed to exist on freedom of speech and assembly were in fact not in evidence, and the new Constitution, Mr Chinamasa said, would protect all these rights. With respect to the concerns raised about the living conditions of workers in the diamond fields, the delegation stated that new barracks were being built, and that the military was only present to supervise this situation. Finally, the delegation was convinced that their legislation is fair and based on the interests of the population.

Of recommendations made, Zimbabwe accepted 81, rejected 67, and 31 left pending for consideration in time for the 19th session of the Council in March 2012. The delegation stated that they were rejecting the recommendations made by ‘Western’ States due to their alleged colonialist attitude and because they are based on allegations of human rights violations in Zimbabwe which the delegation refused to accept as true. Finally, the delegation demanded the lifting of sanctions if Zimbabwe was to be able to develop further.

On 5 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR examined the human rights situation in Thailand. The delegation was led by Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Special Envoy of the Royal Thai Government, and Ambassador to the UN in Geneva. In his introductory statement Mr Phuangketkeow stated that Thailand’s human rights record is one of the strongest in the region but that the situation for vulnerable groups, especially migrant workers and their families, needed further improvement. This view was shared by a number of countries, particularly those from the same region. States suggested that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should make increased efforts in this regard, and that Thailand should cooperate further with its neighbours to improve the situation. The dialogue largely focused on issues such as the situation of vulnerable groups, the ongoing security issues in the south of the country, and alleged restrictions on freedom of expression.

Specific recommendations, questions and comments focused on the following issues:

Calls to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the RomeStatute of the International Criminal Court, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Recommendations to review the lese-majesty law to ensure that its provisions regarding respect for the Monarchy do not curtail freedom of expression.

Requests to review the cyber-crime laws to ensure that they do not curtail freedom of expression, especially in connection to criticism of the Monarchy.

Requests to further the capacity building of law enforcement personnel, in particular raising awareness through providing human rights training.

Calls to tackle the issue of impunity of security forces who allegedly have committed severe human rights violations following on from the uprising prior to the recent election and in the south.

Calls to abolish the death penalty.

Calls to review conditions in prisons.

Recommendations to address violence against women and negative stereotyping.

Calls to ensure integration of migrant workers and their families into society, to prevent exploitation and discrimination.

Recommendations to improve the health care, social security and educational systems, in particular to provide easier access for vulnerable groups.

Encouragement to commit to closer cooperation with neighbouring countries and ASEAN.

The delegation from Thailand responded to some of the recommendations during the session. Concerning the problems with law enforcement personnel, the delegation gave assurances that further investigation would take place into allegations of police violence. The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Thailand, it stated, would uncover the truth, help victims to uncover the truth, and prosecute perpetrators. The delegation did not perceive freedom of speech as a problem, pointing out that it is guaranteed in the Constitution, and it encouraged those present to visit Thailand to see for themselves how free the press is. The situation in prisons would be reviewed, as well as the possibility of ratifying the recommended conventions and optional protocols. Additionally, the delegation admitted that further work needed to be done to make health care, education, and social security more accessible for vulnerable groups, and that the situation of migrant workers needed to be addressed.

Of recommendations made, Thailand accepted 100 with72 left pending for decision by the 19th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2012. The country withdrew its reservation to CEDAW and will become party to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. Other accepted recommendations related to the amendment of criminal laws to bring them in line with international human rights standards, the better integration of migrant workers into society, and the extension of standing invitations to all UN special procedures.

On 4 October 2011, the Working Group on the UPR examined the human rights situation in Tajikistan. The delegation was led by Mr Khudoyarov Bakhtiyor, Minister of Justice, who was accompanied by six other delegates. In his opening statement the Minister asserted that Tajikistan has made significant progress in the area of freedom of the press, religious tolerance, and education – particularly with regard to women’s education. He also responded to several advance written questions concerning the Government's use of the death penalty: although the court system will continue to have the death penalty as a potential sentence, there is now a moratorium on all punishments of this severity, and life in prison is now the accepted substitute for capital punishment. The interactive dialogue largely focused on this issue, however also covered child labour, corruption in the judiciary, and domestic violence.

Specific recommendations, comments, and questions focused on the following issues:

Calls for Tajikistan to formally abolish capital punishment and move toward the international standards found in article 1 of the Convention Against Torture (CAT). This includes the ratification of CAT’s optional protocol, which provides a mandate for both an independent national preventative mechanism for torture and regular inspections of detention facilities.

Concerns over the need for tighter monitoring and enforcement of child labour laws, particularly in areas of the country with a high percentage of low-income families. Tajikistan was called on to raise its legal standards to the levels set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The need to address the continued Government crackdown on freedom of the press, including the recent attacks against two foreign media journalists held in custody without charges.

Calls for a more specific classification of domestic violence in the penal code , so that it is treated as a specific crime rather than, as is currently the case, falling under a general assault or degrading human dignity charge.

Requests that Tajikistan step up efforts in targeting and arresting human traffickers, particularly those abusing women and young girls.

Mr Bakhtiyor reiterated that he and his delegation would respond in written form to any question they had not been able to answer due to time constraints. Generally, the delegation responded frankly and openly to the questions posed by the States. In particular, the delegation acknowledge that Tajikistan is a 'transit' country for human traffickers, and currently does little to deter this illegal practice due to budget constraints within law enforcement. In defence of their record on domestic violence, the delegation argued that reports of incidents have dropped significantly since the 1990s. However, they admitted more work needed to be done and informed States that a new law was currently being drafted by the Government. Of the recommendations made, 70 were immediately accepted, 7 were rejected, and 50 required further review. The delegation will give their position on this last set at the 19th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2012.

Opinion:

Let’s start with a seemingly unconventional proposition: civil society and business share the same space, and therefore should share an interest in defending what unites them. How controversial is that proposition, really?, ask Bennett Freeman, Mauricio Lazala and ISHR's Michael Ineichen.

Intergovernmental Working Group on transnational corporations, business and human rights

National HRDs laws/policies

National Human Rights Institutions

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council

Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT)

Third Committee of the UN General Assembly

UN General Assembly

UN Human Rights Council

UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies

UN Special Rapporteur on HRDs

Universal Periodic Review

1984

ISHR commences work to develop an international Declaration on the Rights of Human Rights Defenders

1988

ISHR publishes first Human Rights Monitor, connecting human rights defenders on the ground with international human rights systems and developments

1993

ISHR facilitates global civil society engagement with the Second World Conference on Human Rights, which leads to the strengthening of women’s rights, the affirmation of universal rights, the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the establishment of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

1994

ISHR provides training, technical assistance and support to its 1000th human rights defender

1998

After 14 years of ISHR lobbying, advocacy and negotiation, the UN General Assembly adopts the landmark Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

ISHR leads a successful campaign for the appointment of a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

2005

ISHR co-founds and supports a range of international and regional human rights coalitions, including the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition, the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project and the West African Human Rights Defenders Network

2006

ISHR contributes to the establishment and institution building of a new global peak body for human rights issues, the UN Human Rights Council

2007

ISHR leads and coordinates the development of the Yogyakarta Principles on sexual orientation and gender identity, strengthening legal recognition and protection of LGBT rights worldwide

2011

ISHR’s sustained advocacy on the issue of reprisals and intimidation faced by human rights defenders leads to adoption of landmark UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning and strengthening protections against reprisals

2012

Working with key NGO partners such as Amnesty International, ISHR leads civil society efforts to strengthen UN human rights treaty bodies, prevent their weakening and better connect their work with victims and human rights defenders on the ground

2013

Working with supportive states and NGOs, ISHR advocacy leads to adoption of historic Human Rights Council resolution calling on all States to review and amend national laws to respect and protect the work of human rights defenders

About ISHR

The International Service for Human Rights is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. We achieve this by supporting human rights defenders, strengthening human rights systems, and leading and participating in coalitions for human rights change.